False Christian teachings, trends….
In this lesson, Dr. Reeves will examine a doctrine that is sometimes neglected in discussions about Reformation theology: union with Christ. This doctrine is at the very heart of the gospel. When sinners are joined to Jesus Christ, sharing in His death and resurrection, the vast riches of the gospel become theirs. Examining this crucial article of faith is an invitation to rejoice in a glorious Reformation truth.
This post is for people who aren’t quite clear on the gospel and want to know it better; or for those who have witnessed the gospel and want to also provide material for reviewing discussion points…. The initial couple of minutes of the video explaining Washer’s booklet cover the following points: who is God; what is man – it is essential that believers understand these two points from a biblical perspective; what God has done to satisfy His own justice and to simultaneously be able to show mercy to the wicked; why was the resurrection necessary; what does it mean to believe; how can you know that you believe; what does it mean to repent; how can you know that you actually have repented; what is assurance and how can you grow in it….
R C Sproul, What is the Gospel? In the process of his sermon to define the gospel message, R C identifies about 10 FALSE ways of proclaiming the gospel that have been used by modern evangelists since the 20th century. Furthermore, he explains the problem of all the versions of the gospel as having to do with an improper attitude towards it, which dishonors its owner, God. If you cannot come up with a clear definition of the gospel for your own witnessing of it to others, then knowing the contents of this sermon is essential for you.
The following 1-minute video short was excerpted from a recent podcast by pastor Hines: Romans 1:18-22 – God’s Wrath & Mercy, Man’s Truth Suppression. Herein, pastor Hines explains that the background for the biblical gospel message is God’s wrath against sin. He talked briefly about the ‘Christian Liberal’ message that is devoid of God’s wrath, as contested by J Gresham Machen in the early 20th century via his still very relevant book, Christianity and Liberalism:
This post contains a 12-minute video, read by Pastor Mark Fitpatrick of Arann Reformed Baptist Church. Arann Reformed Baptist Church www.arann-reformed.com. It is from Christian Sermons and Audio Books, YouTube. [Owen is still regarded as a foremost authority on the topics of temptation and the mortification of sin. All Christians have to understand this topic and have tools for fighting the good fight….]
This post contains two linked posts from this blog that explain justification by faith alone; faith; and repentance. One video by Paul Washer provides an example of trusting in his performance instead of the finished work of Christ. That is the reason for using these linked posts; but I wanted to further provide a fuller definition of justification by various pastors by way of very brief videos. These are foundational doctrines of the Christian faith with which believers should be more than familiar.
This post contains an 11-minute video podcast by Pastor Patrick Hines on Romans 1:8-17. Verses 16 and 17 are about the gospel; he spent time speaking about justification by faith alone and trusting in the finished work of Christ. He plans to do podcasts through Romans, so this topic and the various important, related topics will come up numerous times. [However, I have to say that I have spent many years trying to firmly grasp the idea of trusting ‘only’ in Christ’s finished work and that is a very difficult thing to do; that is, to do it, you must clearly see when you are trusting in your performance or in some other thing besides Christ’s work. The Holy Spirit shows one what he/she is placing trust in, rather than Christ. The next post will deal with this topic. Pastor Hines will likely deal with it at some point, but I don’t think a believer can hear to much about this critical topic.]
The following song, Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me, from the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, is sung by Brian Cochran. It is from his YouTube site Brian Cochran. Lyrics are pasted in below the song so that you can also sing along. I find it easier to sing along when someone else is singing, as though I were at church, singing along with the congregation. This song is being posted because it fits well with the topic being explained by Pastor Hines, Romans 1.
Pastor Hines explains the meaning of the following verses in this 12-minute podcast: Romans 1:5-7 [5]Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, [6] among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; [7] To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (New American Standard Bible) [Sermon highlight points precede sermon]
This post contains a Ken Ham video. He defined worldview, and explained how it is that a person arrives at his/her worldview. Then he explained how contemporary churches err in not teaching Genesis 1-11, those chapters are the foundation of all Christian doctrine and a Christian must understand them to have a biblical Christian worldview. Social issues such as abortion, gay marriage… must be dealt with via discussions about worldview; to discuss those issues as though they are problems unrelated to worldview (as most Christians presently do) is to wrongly address them….